The EBCI enacted the Tribal Business Preference Law and Wages/Employment Rights ordinances to implement and enforce a hiring preference to qualified Indians and Indian contractors and subcontractors, who are members of the Eastern Band and other federally recognized Indian Tribes, and, to protect and stabilize wages of persons employed by private persons or businesses on the Cherokee Indian Reservation.
By providing a hiring and contracting preference, it is the EBCI’s intent to increase
employment of members of the Eastern Band and other tribal members, to promote
the growth and professionalism of Indian owned businesses, to increase contracting
opportunities for Indian businesses, and to reduce discrimination against Indians.
TERO Compliance Officers are responsible for maintaining transparency and
accountability among TERO Vendors and business conducted between the EBCI and
its entities, as well as between the EBCI and outside contractors.
Certified TERO Vendors are businesses that submitted a completed Application for
TERO Certification, are vetted by the TERO office and have met the qualification
requirements as an Indian-owned business.